Moorpark, CA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Moorpark, CA, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Key Facts
- State law
- Civil Code §1946.2
- Trigger
- 12 months tenancy
- No-fault relocation
- One month's rent
- Local layer
- None added
Summary
Moorpark relies on California's statewide just-cause eviction framework under AB 1482, requiring landlords of covered units to state a valid at-fault or no-fault reason once a tenant has occupied a unit for at least 12 months.
1946.2. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, after a tenant has continuously and lawfully occupied a residential real property for 12 months, the owner of the residential real property shall not terminate a tenancy without just cause, which shall be stated in the written notice to terminate tenancy. If any additional adult tenants are added to the lease before an existing tenant has continuously and lawfully occupied the residential real property for 24 months, then this subdivision shall only apply if either of the following are satisfied: (1) All of the tenants have continuously and lawfully occupied the residential real property for 12 months or more. (2) One or more tenants have continuously and lawfully occupied the residential real property for 24 months or more. (b) For purposes of this section, "just cause" means either of the following: (1) At-fault just cause, which means any of the following: (A) Default in the payment of rent. (B) A breach of a material term of the lease, as described in paragraph (3) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure, including, but not limited to, violation of a provision of the lease after being issued a written notice to correct the violation. (C) Maintaining, committing, or permitting the maintenance or commission of a nuisance as described in paragraph (4) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure. (D) Committing waste as described in paragraph (4) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
Full Breakdown
Civil Code §1946.2 lists the valid grounds: at-fault reasons include nonpayment of rent, lease violations, criminal activity, and refusal to renew a similar lease; no-fault reasons include owner move-in, withdrawal from the rental market under the Ellis Act, government order, and substantial remodel. No-fault terminations require relocation assistance equal to one month's rent. Single-family homes with the proper exemption notice and units under 15 years old are typically exempt. Moorpark has not adopted broader local just-cause protections beyond state law.
Violations & Fines
Evicting a covered tenant without a permitted just cause is wrongful; tenants can defend an unlawful detainer and seek damages plus attorney's fees under Civil Code §1946.2.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does just cause apply?
Is owner move-in allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Moorpark
California rules heatmap·Compare Moorpark to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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Just Cause Eviction in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle just cause eviction.